RESIDENTS in South Wales found themselves battling against strong winds and rain yesterday.

Severe gales spread across the region during the day and into the night, with the strongest gusts recorded at 55mph at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Drivers were warned to take extra care while travelling and to only make the journey if it was necessary.

A number of roads were forced to close or were subject to temporary speed restrictions because of the bad weather.

Traffic Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s traffic information service, reported speed restrictions on the M4 between Junctions 37 and 38 from Pyle to Margam, and between Junctions 41 and 42 from Pentyla to Earlswood.

Meanwhile, a road outside a Cardiff high school was closed after a tree fell, blocking access to the street.

South Wales Police said a stretch of Whitchurch Road, outside Whitchurch High School was closed just before 3pm after a part of the tree collapsed, knocking down a lamppost.

Luke Bosdet, a spokesman for the AA, said drivers should be extra cautious when travelling in high winds.

He said: “Check before you leave to see if roads are closed. The thing about wind is that you can be fine if the road ahead is clear, but it could be blocked by a falling tree.

“If you have got a high-sided vehicle you would be better advised to think twice about going out.

“Drivers should leave a lot more time to get to their destinations. They might be delayed and if they rush they will be going at a faster speed and have less grip on the roads.”

A flight from Belfast International to Cardiff Airport had to be diverted to Birmingham Airport last night.

Flights between North and South Wales were cancelled and ferry services were also disrupted.

The old Severn crossing was closed yesterday due to high winds.

The strongest winds, caused by a deep area of low pressure across Scotland, were in the north and northwest, with severe gales on Anglesey. During the day, the highest wind gust was recorded at 78mph at Capel Curig, Snowdonia.

The Met Office said there would be more settled weather today.

Forecaster Barry Grommet said: “The winds will ease but it will take a long time. They will continue to blow pretty hard and push a few showers across Wales during the night.

“The first part of Friday will still be windy, but it will be a lot calmer. There will be more general rain in the south and throughout the Valleys as it moves up from the Bristol Channel.

“Temperatures will be coming from the South West.Cardiff is expected to see a minimum of nine and a maximum of 15.”

A busy Cardiff road was shut last night after a 100ft tree fell in the winds.

Llantrisant Road was shut from the top of Waterhall Road, near Fairwater, to the Co-Op store, from about 6pm.